Saturday, May 21, 2011

Pyrrhic Victory


Believing victory
was done, he carried
the flag of red, blood
flowing into the wind,
flowing so fast
he missed
the wounded heel.
At the moment
of celebration,
his moment to make
himself a god,
he turned
ashen white, marbled.
No one was there
to cheer.

Dedicated to Anne Lang Bundy*

This poem is submitted to One Shot Sunday hosted by One Stop Poetry. To see more poems submitted and an interview with the photographer, Walter Parada, please visit the site.

*This poem is dedicated to Anne Lang Bundy. If you make a donation to The High Calling during the month of May, I’ve committed to dedicate a poem to you. Just let me know via the comment box or an email that you made a donation (not the amount).

Photograph: Statue by Walter Parada. Used with permission for One Stop Poetry.
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17 comments:

  1. Sean VesseyMay 22, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    Great poem. Loved the classical reference and the smooth flow.

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  2. Brian MillerMay 22, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    we often miss our own achilles eh? esp in the glory of our own victories...

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  3. JinksyMay 22, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Ah, Achilles, I see?

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  4. UnknownMay 22, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    wow a valuable lesson in hindsight.be aware.nice write!

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  5. Kodjo DeynooMay 22, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Great use of the picture

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  6. FireblossomMay 22, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Those god moments tend to crumble, don't they?

    Hey...I just noticed the world didn't end yesterday! ;-)

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  7. PatriciaMay 22, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I couldn't find the words. I'm so glad you did.

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  8. Louise GallagherMay 22, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Great poem Glynn -- love the way e, 'turned ashen white, marbled.' and then, to have 'No one there to cheer.' -- so appropriate and effective.

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  9. John (@bookdreamer)May 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Oh ye in power, look where in the dust are those who thought as you ....

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  10. hedgewitchMay 22, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    Very reminiscent in feeling to one of my favorites by Shelley, the great Ozymandias. A tight and smooth flow of images, for a thoughtful look at the dark side of the psyche so often shown to us by the ancient myths.

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  11. UnknownMay 22, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Very nice write Glynn, your words made the image breathe. ~ Rose

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  12. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I love the word pyrrhic. Very good write and take on the photo Glynn, thought provoking as always

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  13. IsabelMay 22, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    what a great story you crafted from the prompt

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  14. ayalaMay 22, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Lovely poem!

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  15. Mystic MargaritaMay 22, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    That's an awesome poem -- reminiscent of epic heroes engaged in epic wars. The title of the poem is so apt.

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  16. Anne Lang BundyMay 22, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    Astounding, Glynn. I am inclined to perceive my antagonist. I must remember that I have been God's antagonist.

    I deeply thank you for the dedication. I could not have expected something so profound. I am humbled.

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  17. Steve IsaakMay 23, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Good piece.

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